Marilyn Monroe’s Cherished Dish

Marilyn Monroe, an emblem of glamour and an icon of the silver screen, was not just a pretty face. Behind the glitz and the glam, Marilyn had a penchant for the culinary arts, embracing the comfort and creativity of cooking. Among her repertoire of dishes, one stood out as her favorite, revealing a side to the star that few might expect.

Unraveling Marilyn’s Culinary Legacy

Contrary to the glamorous lifestyle associated with Hollywood’s golden era, Marilyn Monroe found solace in the kitchen. It was here, amidst the pots and pans, that Monroe crafted meals that were both nourishing and expressive. Her favorite dish, a meticulously prepared turkey stuffing, was more than just a recipe; it was a testament to her culinary skills and her desire to create something genuinely heartfelt.

The stuffing, rich with a blend of sourdough bread, chicken giblets, liver, heart, and a medley of herbs and spices, showcased Marilyn’s confident and adventurous approach to cooking. This dish, often prepared for Thanksgiving, was not just a meal but a labor of love, filled with flavors that spoke of tradition and innovation.

Tip: To replicate Marilyn’s stuffing, don’t shy away from experimenting with the ingredients. The essence of this dish lies in its adaptability and the personal touch you bring to it.

Interestingly, Marilyn’s recipe defies the conventional stuffing norms, incorporating ingredients like raisins and nuts, which add a unique texture and sweetness to the dish. This choice reflects her boldness in both her career and personal life, daring to be different and leaving a lasting impression.

Her approach to cooking was intuitive, with a balance of fussiness and flexibility that is the hallmark of an experienced cook. The recipe, handwritten and without precise measurements for some ingredients, encourages a hands-on and personalized cooking experience.

The Recipe That Connects Us to Marilyn

Discovering Marilyn Monroe’s favorite dish allows us to connect with her on a level beyond her filmography and public persona. It offers insight into her personal tastes, her creativity, and the simple pleasures that brought her joy. This stuffing recipe is not just a culinary delight but a piece of history, inviting us to share in a meal that was dear to Marilyn’s heart.

As we recreate Marilyn’s beloved dish, we do more than follow a recipe; we partake in a ritual that celebrates her life and legacy. It’s a way to honor her memory, embracing the warmth and comfort that cooking can bring, just as Marilyn did.

Tip: Remember, the key to a great stuffing is in the preparation. Take your time to brown the meats and toast the nuts, as these steps significantly enhance the flavor.

In today’s world, where celebrity chefs and cooking shows dominate, Marilyn Monroe’s foray into the culinary world reminds us that cooking is a form of expression, accessible to all who wish to explore it. Her recipe, steeped in tradition yet marked by her unique twist, continues to inspire and captivate.

Marilyn Monroe’s favorite dish, with its rich flavors and heartfelt preparation, is more than just a recipe. It’s a reminder of the joy and creativity that cooking can bring into our lives, transcending the boundaries of time and fame to connect us with one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century.

In revisiting Marilyn Monroe’s favorite dish, we find not only a recipe but a narrative that weaves through the threads of her life, revealing a woman of depth, creativity, and warmth. This dish offers us a taste of her world, inviting us to explore the culinary legacy of an icon who continues to inspire beyond the silver screen. As we share in this meal, we celebrate Marilyn’s enduring influence, reminding us that behind the glamour was a person who cherished the simple, comforting pleasures of a home-cooked meal.

Marilyn Monroe’s Favorite Turkey Stuffing

Course: MainCuisine: American

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

2

hours 

30

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Total time

180

minutes

Discover the cherished recipe Marilyn Monroe adored, a delightful turkey stuffing that combines rich flavors and textures for a truly memorable dish.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of sourdough bread

• 2 cups of chicken giblets

• 1/2 cup of chopped liver

• 1/2 cup of chopped heart

• 1 cup of finely chopped onions

• 1/2 cup of chopped celery

• 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley

• 1 teaspoon of rosemary

• 1 teaspoon of thyme

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 teaspoon of oregano

• 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 pound of ground round beef

• 1/2 cup of raisins

• 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts)

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Soak the sourdough bread in water, wring out excess moisture, then tear into small pieces. Combine with chopped giblets, liver, heart, onions, celery, parsley, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl.
• In a skillet, brown the ground round beef without oil. Add to the stuffing mixture along with the Parmesan cheese, raisins, and nuts, mixing well.
• Stuff your turkey or chicken with the mixture and sew up the opening. Place any extra stuffing around the bird in the baking dish. Roast according to the weight of your poultry, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Notes

• For a moister stuffing, consider adding a bit of chicken broth.
• The nuts add a delightful crunch, but can be omitted for those with allergies.
• This recipe can also be cooked outside of the bird in a baking dish, covered with foil, at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes.

FAQs

Q: Can this stuffing be made vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can make it vegetarian by omitting the giblets, liver, heart, and ground beef, and substituting with mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative for a rich umami flavor.

Q: How long can this stuffing be stored?
A: The stuffing can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: The original recipe is not gluten-free due to the sourdough bread. However, you can substitute with gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary needs.

Q: Can this stuffing be cooked outside of the bird?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer, you can cook the stuffing in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until heated through and slightly crispy on top.